Many variables can impact a person's quality of life and overall satisfaction, from a good fitness level and a balanced diet to solid relationships and a respectable job. However, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to creating the best life - it’s very subjective!
In this blog, life coach Suzanne Griffiths offers guidance and tips on creating the best life that works for you.
Understanding the journey
The first thing to master when it comes to creating a life that makes you happy and feels fulfilled is recognising that it’s a journey and not a destination. There isn’t an overnight fix for creating the best life for yourself.
Instead, asking yourself what you want in life is a great place to start.
There are practical tools out there to help with your answer, such as researching what career is best suited to your strengths, weaknesses, and enjoyment. These can be found online, including on the official government website.
Over recent years, there’s also been a rise in people talking about journalling – you’ll likely have seen a whole range of formats across social media. A gratitude journal can be used to help you build a positive mindset, with the aim of helping you to notice and appreciate. This is also said to help attract more positivity into your life.
Lastly, reaching out to family and friends can often be a big part of the journey. It may sound clichéd, but your loved ones often know you better than you know yourself, and they will always want the best for you. Why not have an honest and open conversation with them and find out their opinion?
You may find some areas easier to reflect on than others, but it’s essential to take a 360-degree approach and access all aspects of life. Once you’ve identified what you want in life - don’t worry; it’s totally normal for the answer to this question to change regularly - it’s time to start thinking about creating an action plan.
Step-by-step guide on how to create an action plan:
- Set a SMART goal – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound
- Identify tasks
- Define your budget and identify resources
- List the steps you need to take
- Take one step at a time
- Order your tasks by priority
- Schedule your tasks
- Stay on top of health habits
- Check off items as you go
- Review and reset as necessary
Now that you’ve reflected on how you feel and created your action plan for an all-inclusive approach, you’re on your way to creating your best life. This is the time when you’re feeling positive, motivated, and striving towards meeting your goals, looking strong and empowered.
Then, out of the blue, something happens; it could be as simple as having a bad dose of flu, which completely upsets your fitness and eating regime or something more significant, such as being made redundant from your job. Regardless of the cause, without any warning, all those well-laid plans and goals suddenly come to a grinding halt. Take a breath, allow yourself a small dose of wallowing if needed, and then get straight back to your plans. Flexing and adapting are your two superpowers and are vital to staying on track.
Sometimes, it’s the darker and more challenging times when we can feel the most alive; positively responding and staying the master of your own destiny can give you a massive boost and make you stronger and more agile.
Always remember to constantly check how you’re doing in the moment; this will ensure you’re taking the best possible care of yourself, both now and for the future. When you’re bang in the thick of it, get into the habit of stopping and asking yourself, “What do I need right now?” It could be as simple as going out with a friend for a drink, nipping to the gym, or getting out in nature and fresh air to clear your head.
How will you know you’re creating and living your best life?
Some clients describe this as being all over it or flowing through life; we’re aiming for exhilaration - it’s an effortless success, being on track and knowing that all your hard work, efforts and time are laser-focused!